Family confirms Biz Markie is alive after false death reports Hip hop legend Biz Markie is alive and in hospice care, despite reports he has passed away at 57-years-old. Reporter Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson updated the public via Twitter on Wednesday night, adding that family says the singer has ‘significant brain damage,’ likely stemming from a stroke he suffered last year. Markie’s representatives told DailyMail.com: ‘Biz is still under medical care, surrounded by professionals who are working hard to provide the best healthcare possible. ‘Biz’s wife and family are touched by the outpouring of love and admiration from his friends, peers and fans alike.’

Marcel Theo Hall, better known by his stage name Biz Markie, is an American rapper, singer, DJ, record producer, actor, comedian, and writer. He is best known for his 1989 single “Just a Friend”, which became a Top 40 hit in several countries.